Takeaway driver attacked with golf club

The delivery driver was attacked. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The driver from Merdo’s had his glasses smashed in the common stair of a block of flats in Willow Grove, Livingston, late on Thursday night.

He was delivering an order made through a third-party website when he was pounced on by three men – two of whom had golf clubs.

They hit him with one of the makeshift weapons before helping themselves to the fast food, which was worth more than £25. They also tried to steal his cash but were unsuccessful.

Police said the driver, who is 32, was left with minor facial injuries after the incident at around 10.30pm.

He suffered some bruising around his eye – but he was back at work last night.

The victim was not willing to speak, however colleague Zishan Ashraf, 21, told the Evening News that it was a worrying incident.

Mr Ashraf, also a delivery driver at Merdo’s, said he believed the attackers were the same people who had ordered the pizza, luring their victim to the scene.

He said: “As far as we’re aware, they are the ones who ordered the food.

“I think they just used a false name and tried to rob the driver.

“There was over £25 of food – a couple of pizzas, some portions of chips and juice.

“It was all in one delivery bag, they just snatched the delivery bag.

“It’s a bit brutal – there were two guys that had golf clubs.”

Police said they were treating the incident as opportunistic, but they added that the investigation was at an early stage.

They called for anyone who recognised the suspects or had any information on the attack to contact them.

All three suspects are described as being white, in their 30s and of medium build, with Scottish accents.

One of the men was between 6ft and 6ft 2in tall and was wearing a white T-shirt.

A man who was seen brandishing a golf club was around 5ft 10in tall with medium-length spiky light-coloured hair, and wearing a dark shirt.

The final suspect was around 5ft 10in tall with a front tooth missing and was wearing a grey hooded top with the hood up.

Detective Constable Craig Waddell said: “Thankfully, the victim did not sustain serious injuries during this attack and we are conducting local inquiries in the area to identify those responsible.

“Anyone who recognises the description of these men and can help trace them is asked to contact police immediately.

“In addition, anyone who remembers seeing anything suspicious in Willow Grove on Thursday evening should also get in touch.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous report through the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.